Giddy up: Polk County’s newest water park is open

Head east to the newly opened River Country Water Park for fun in the sun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.

A colorful waterslide twists into a large resort pool at River Ranch’s water park, with umbrellas, palm trees, and blue skies.

Slide into summertime fun at River Ranch, located just east of Lake Wales + Frostproof.

Saddle up for a visit to River Country Water Park at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Located just over an hour east of Lakeland, this resort brings western-themed fun with its latest attraction. With this week’s heat warnings, the timing couldn’t be better.

Guests of all ages can cool off on three water slides — and only the bravest will try Stampede Falls’ free-fall plunge. Little cowpokes can play on the Splash Pad, and grown-ups will find ultimate relaxation in the lagoon pool.

A family relaxes and plays in a shallow pool at River Ranch Water Park, with colorful water slides and palm trees in the background.

Get unlimited water park access with annual + seasonal passes, or buy packages with access to the resort’s other activities.

Order vittles at Barn Bites, a dude ranch-inspired snack shack with ice-cold drinks, including build-your-own margaritas. Feeling shady? Rent a private cabana with room for up to six buckaroos.

River Country Water Park is now open daily, with tickets starting at $19.95, and resort guests get free water park access during their stay. River Ranch’s activities + events are also open to visitors — don’t miss the Saturday night rodeo.

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